Fifty years ago, a new civil war fractured the United States into a mosaic of polarized nations. Ever since, Harmony “Bibi” Cain has isolated himself: from society, from technology, from family. A powerful empath weary from the constant intrusion of others’ emotions, he’s finally cloistered in his rural Wisconsin retirement community. He hopes to find, if not peace, then at least a little quiet.
But when four impossible-seeming killings shake North America, Bibi is drawn into an investigation he wants nothing to do with. The victims were killed by motes—unstoppable drones only an empath can control—and decades ago, Bibi was an unwitting subject in the wartime program that created them: the program that weaponized empathy.
With his few remaining friends at risk, and tensions between countries of the former United States reawakening, everything may depend on Bibi's lifelong struggle with his own extraordinary ability.
Semi Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Three Grams of Elsewhere has prolific plot that keeps readers guessing at each turn without being confused. By telling this story through Bibi's perspective, as well as through a series of interviews and other documents, Giesler builds strong suspense and tension throughout the novel.
Prose: Giesler's seamless prose captivates readers. Most importantly, Giesler has a worthy message to communicate to readers through his novel and insightful writing.
Originality: Giesler crafts a stunning world for readers to explore with incredibly detailed storytelling. The dystopian post-American world is not only believable and well-constructed, but also provides relevant and intriguing commentary on the current political landscape. The themes throughout this story are truly unique and provide an important perspective of modern technology.
Character/Execution: Bibi is a compelling main character that Giesler carefully and slowly unravels throughout the novel. The gripping details about his life drive the narrative in an engaging way for readers. Each character is well developed and provides additional character development for Bibi, as well as adds to the overarching plot.
Blurb: Three Grams of Elsewhere is a stunningly well-crafted science fiction novel with dynamic themes. Giesler pushes readers to think deeply about how we connect to each other and make challenging choices. This is the perfect novel for those who not only love science fiction, but also readers who want to reflect upon their own philosophical beliefs.
Date Submitted: April 12, 2023
Plagued by wrenching flashbacks to his service in the Mosaic War, Bibi has come to feel that he’s something like a kite, always on someone else’s string, and he vows, in narration, “Before I’m too old, I want to do something important because I chose it.” What that potential rebellion will look like is the novel’s primary tension, more so than the mystery of who ordered the strikes. Bibi tells much of the story himself, in 2104, five years after the fact, to an unidentified collective voice that occasionally interrupts—at one point, bluntly offering crucial information that Bibi was building to, inspiring him to offer a lesson about suspense and storytelling.
That sense of play powers the novel, which blends Bibi’s first-person story with excerpts (some lengthy) of after-the-fact interviews trying to make sense of Bibi’s life—and seeding the mystery of whatever it is that he chooses to do as the novel’s present develops. Also included: occasional poems plus excerpts from a textbook establishing the science of empaths. Giesler pens all this with sharp prose, arresting detail, an ear for memorable dialogue, a fascinating political situation, and a deep interest in empathy itself, though the material’s richness and Bibi’s tendency to recount conversations at length diminishes narrative momentum. The worldbuilding’s exciting and surprising, though, especially a visit to the St. Louis of the future and the potential of war between Canada and the “Old States.”
Takeaway: Provocative, empathetic dystopian SF with a sense of narrative playfulness.
Comparable Titles: Omar El Akkad’s American War, Christopher Brown’s Tropic of Kansas.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
“The provocative structure nurtures mystery while holding a mirror to modern America’s fractious politics…
“Although deploying cyberpunk themes that integrate biology with technology, it defies the cynicism so pervasive in the genre by injecting an earnest, even spiritual dimension…
“Giesler has created a world so full that it seems to echo beyond its pages—a story written so well that, no matter how perfect, surprising, and complete the ending, readers will want to return in search of even more. It’s just that good.” —BlueInk Review (Starred Review)
